My first impressions of Panama go like this:
It is hot, very hot
It looks like it could be any other coastal city in Mexico
Panama City is small, compared to Cincinnati
Poverty levels are high, very high
There is no middle class
Service is slow, very slow
Food and services are expensive
People look more "indigena" than in Mexico
It is growing like crazy - new buildings everywhere
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Panama - The arrival ... Continued
At the ice cream shop we experienced what T had warned us about from the very beginning: Service around here is very slow. Yep, it was quite slow indeed. But we were patient and got our ice cream, and got to sit down for a few minutes and catch up on life.
After the ice cream shop we went back home and put the kids to bed. Mine were filthy from the trip and all the running around, but they were also exhausted so the shower had to wait for the next day. Bella insisted that I went to bed with them, and since we had all been up since 3:30am I didn't complain too much. We all went to bed indeed, and for once even Bella fell asleep right away.
One of the frustrating things about updating my blog from the iPad is that after a while it starts acting crazy. So I had to split this post into 2 because it wasn't letting me scroll down any longer, and couldn't see what I was doing. I will fix that when i get home, as well as any typos and grammar issues that i couldnt go back and fix here.
After the ice cream shop we went back home and put the kids to bed. Mine were filthy from the trip and all the running around, but they were also exhausted so the shower had to wait for the next day. Bella insisted that I went to bed with them, and since we had all been up since 3:30am I didn't complain too much. We all went to bed indeed, and for once even Bella fell asleep right away.
One of the frustrating things about updating my blog from the iPad is that after a while it starts acting crazy. So I had to split this post into 2 because it wasn't letting me scroll down any longer, and couldn't see what I was doing. I will fix that when i get home, as well as any typos and grammar issues that i couldnt go back and fix here.
Panama - The arrival
Couple days ago, Gabi and I arrived in Panama with Diego and the girls to visit out friend Teresina who just moved here four months ago. Although we had to get up at 3:30 am to catch a 6:00 am flight, the trip was not too bad. We flew from Cincinnati to Houston, and from Houston to Panama, which was the longest flight. We were sitting in the back of the plane, which normally would be bad, but with the girls it was actually convenient because of course they got up multiple times. They got a little bored during the second flight, but in between playing with my iPhone, watching a movie on thr iPad, and playing musical chairs with Gabi and Diego, we all survived. By 1:00 pm, we had arrived in Panama.
As soon as we got off the flight, we went straight to the bathroom. And what was a clear sign that we were indeed back in Latin America? ... That there was no toilet paper in the bathroom! That is so typical of public bathrooms in Mexico, although I have to agree with my sister, that in Mexico, the airport bathrooms DO have it. This was just the first of multiple comparisons that - almost involuntarily - I have been making.
The reason we went to the bathroom first is that we had no idea how long it would take us to get through immigration, and having the kids we didn't want to risk having to go while we were waiting. But turn out that there was nobody waiting in line in front of us. Yet, and besides the fact that there were multiple immigration agents at their posts, we did have to wait a few minutes for one of them to take us. As Gabi pointed out, they were probably waiting to see who would break down first and take us. The guy who took me and the girls wasn't mean, but wasn't particularly friendly either. After he reviewed our passports I stood there, waiting, because I thought he would give me a copy of the forms we filled out, or some other sign that I was ready to go. But he didn't. It was couple minutes later that the agent next to him - a friendly girl - told me: "You are ready to go. Bienvenida a Panama".
When we came out Teresina was already waiting for us. It was nice to see her there, a familiar and friendly face.
We loaded the suitcases and the kids in her minivan, and in a few minutes we were on our way. My first impression of Panama was that it looks like any other coastal city in Mexico, with its small airport, almost intolerable heat, the palm trees, and the contrasting mix of extreme wealth and extreme poverty almost everywhere you look. It felt - for a minute - like we were back in our home country. But, unlike the Mexico I remember, I got the impression that there is more hoplessness around here. But more on that later.
We arrived at Teresina's house in about 20 minutes, and quickly offloaded everything, took a tour of the house, and let the kids take a break. Adriana, who will be 3 years this summer, looked happy to have a playmate. We also got to met Antonio, her 5 month old baby, for the very first time. Her house is very nice, the style I like from the outside, and they seemed to have settled quickly, although I am sure it was no walk in the park with a 2 year old, a newborn, and a big dog.
After resting for a while we went to the park that is right in front of her house where we met 3 French kids - who were there with the nanny (more on that later as well) - and although the girls were not very interested in playing together, the older boy played soccer with Diego for a little while. After that we went to Casco Viejo, the older part of town, to walk around for a little while. They are putting a lot of money and effort to renovate all the historical buildings there, but for now many of them are really run down which is very sad. Walking around there made me really long for the downtowns in Tlaxcala and Queretaro, with their nice and safe parks, all the coffee shops open for business, and all those beautiful, well kept buildings, as the perfect surrounding for an afternoon or evening out. So yes, that was another comparison. That area has potential, but in comparison to Mexico, it has a long way to go.
After our walk we got back in the car, and drove to an ice cream shop. It was later in the day, but we are on vacation, so we made the exception.
As soon as we got off the flight, we went straight to the bathroom. And what was a clear sign that we were indeed back in Latin America? ... That there was no toilet paper in the bathroom! That is so typical of public bathrooms in Mexico, although I have to agree with my sister, that in Mexico, the airport bathrooms DO have it. This was just the first of multiple comparisons that - almost involuntarily - I have been making.
The reason we went to the bathroom first is that we had no idea how long it would take us to get through immigration, and having the kids we didn't want to risk having to go while we were waiting. But turn out that there was nobody waiting in line in front of us. Yet, and besides the fact that there were multiple immigration agents at their posts, we did have to wait a few minutes for one of them to take us. As Gabi pointed out, they were probably waiting to see who would break down first and take us. The guy who took me and the girls wasn't mean, but wasn't particularly friendly either. After he reviewed our passports I stood there, waiting, because I thought he would give me a copy of the forms we filled out, or some other sign that I was ready to go. But he didn't. It was couple minutes later that the agent next to him - a friendly girl - told me: "You are ready to go. Bienvenida a Panama".
When we came out Teresina was already waiting for us. It was nice to see her there, a familiar and friendly face.
We loaded the suitcases and the kids in her minivan, and in a few minutes we were on our way. My first impression of Panama was that it looks like any other coastal city in Mexico, with its small airport, almost intolerable heat, the palm trees, and the contrasting mix of extreme wealth and extreme poverty almost everywhere you look. It felt - for a minute - like we were back in our home country. But, unlike the Mexico I remember, I got the impression that there is more hoplessness around here. But more on that later.
We arrived at Teresina's house in about 20 minutes, and quickly offloaded everything, took a tour of the house, and let the kids take a break. Adriana, who will be 3 years this summer, looked happy to have a playmate. We also got to met Antonio, her 5 month old baby, for the very first time. Her house is very nice, the style I like from the outside, and they seemed to have settled quickly, although I am sure it was no walk in the park with a 2 year old, a newborn, and a big dog.
After resting for a while we went to the park that is right in front of her house where we met 3 French kids - who were there with the nanny (more on that later as well) - and although the girls were not very interested in playing together, the older boy played soccer with Diego for a little while. After that we went to Casco Viejo, the older part of town, to walk around for a little while. They are putting a lot of money and effort to renovate all the historical buildings there, but for now many of them are really run down which is very sad. Walking around there made me really long for the downtowns in Tlaxcala and Queretaro, with their nice and safe parks, all the coffee shops open for business, and all those beautiful, well kept buildings, as the perfect surrounding for an afternoon or evening out. So yes, that was another comparison. That area has potential, but in comparison to Mexico, it has a long way to go.
After our walk we got back in the car, and drove to an ice cream shop. It was later in the day, but we are on vacation, so we made the exception.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Tired dog
Why is it that Zoey always looks exhausted, as if she was the one that went to work all day?
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
First day of spring
Today was the first day of spring, and this is how we had to get dressed to welcome it. Need I say more?
Sunday, March 17, 2013
You make my heart race
This morning Gabi and I ran our very first 15K ever! The weather forecast called for either lots of rain or 2 or 3 inches of snow, buy luckily the weather held out and it was just plain, freezing cold. The race started at 7:45 am. It took us an hour and 40 minutes to finish, so we held a pretty even pace. We didn't really feel the cold while we were running, but as soon as we stopped we realized just how cold it truly was. So we didn't really stick around even though there were some festivities planned in Fountain Square. Instead, we went home to take a shower and later went out for lunch to celebrate.
When I first arrived home and Bella saw my medal she innocently asked me: "Mami, did you win the race?". "No Belly, they gave me the medal because I finished the race", I said. I thought that sounded better than "Everybody got one". Either way, she was kind of impressed.
When I first arrived home and Bella saw my medal she innocently asked me: "Mami, did you win the race?". "No Belly, they gave me the medal because I finished the race", I said. I thought that sounded better than "Everybody got one". Either way, she was kind of impressed.
Madcap Puppets
Yesterday we took the girls to the Cincinnati Art Museum to watch a puppet show. In the past Bella had been afraid of them, but I was hoping she would do better now. Not so ...
She was afraid and decided to hide behind the seat, although that only lasted for a few minutes and then insisted on going outside. It is a good thing that at least Sofia liked the show.
She was afraid and decided to hide behind the seat, although that only lasted for a few minutes and then insisted on going outside. It is a good thing that at least Sofia liked the show.
The big concert!
Last weekend the girls spent the night at my parents while Lionel and I went out for dinner and a movie. The following morning, when we picked them up, we learned that Sofia had made a "book" all on her own. I was nicely surprised that her book was about music and that for a 7 year old it was really well done. I wanted to make sure I posted every page of it, so I waited until I was able to take pictures - which didn't happen until today. It appears that Bella didn't want to be left behind, so she also made a few pages of her own.
Monday, March 11, 2013
40!
Today is my parent's 40th
wedding anniversary. It hasn't always been an easy road to travel, but they are
one of the lucky few who after such a long time are still traveling it together.
I wish they celebrated it as the big deal that it is, but my parents are not party people. So they spent the day quietly, following their routine - just the way they like it.
I wish they celebrated it as the big deal that it is, but my parents are not party people. So they spent the day quietly, following their routine - just the way they like it.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Recital brochure
Sofia has another recital coming up, and the brochure for it features a picture of her very first recital. I don't know who was more excited about it, Bella or Sofia herself.
Small pajamas
Bella loves these pajamas, and keeps wearing them even though they are too small for her anymore. They actually used to be Sofia's, so they are also special to me. I am definitely going to be keeping them in my treasure box once she is finally done with them.
I Love You
Today Bella asked me how to write I love You. So I wrote it down in a piece of paper for her, and she then copied it ... or kind of.
Dreams ... interrupted
This morning I dreamed of Max and Sergio, two dear friends from college that I haven't seen or talked to in a very long time. I dreamed that I was walking out of a building and there they were, standing under the shade of a tree, in the company of my sister. Seeing them made me very happy, so I walked up to them and gave my friend Max a hug. I then started asking him how come they were there - the first one of many questions I had for him after such a long time. But as I started walking by his side, my alarm went off and my dream quickly evaporated. It made me so mad...
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Perfect North
Today I was supposed to be at an all day event aimed at personal and professional growth, but as luck would have it, it turned out to be a snow day. So needless to say, I didn't make it to my event since I had to stay home with the girls.
Snow days are not my best friends. It is not only because I am a working mom, but also because in my line of work it doesn't really matter if I can physically show up. Whether it is in the office or at home, I am still expected to do my job. Having a snow day means I get to stress about my kids continuously interrupting me while I am trying to work, and feeling like the worst mom ever for ignoring them - while trying to get things done.
This morning I was already mentally preparing myself for a difficult day when I realized I had an opportunity in front of me. Since I was supposed to be out all day, I didn't have any meetings scheduled and nobody was counting on me for the entire day. So whether I worked or not, it was not going to make a big difference for anybody else. Of course I had a million things to do, but nobody expected that they would be done today. So I decided I would just take the day off, and would - for once - make it a fun, true snow day. I told the girls to get ready, because we were going to go skiing. At the beginning they were quick to tell me they didn't want to do anything - especially since at the time they were watching TV - but warmed up the idea and didn't complain too much.
We arrived in Perfect North - our local "skiing" destination at about noon. Lionel refuses to go there because clearly it is not even close to being comparable to Vail, but I think it is better than nothing - especially for the girls. And the goal today was to get out of the house, and do something snow related.
We went straight to eat lunch and get our rental skis. After the initial drama of putting Bella's boots on, we finally hit the slopes a bit after 1:00 pm. We did the same Green run multiple times and even moved to a blue. I knew Sofia would do really well, but Bella also kept up. I was afraid that she would just take off straight, without making any turns, but she was actually nice to me. She did speed up in couple occasions, but when she felt that she was starting to pick up too much speed she did try to stop or just fall to the ground.
We stayed out there until 6:00 pm, so we had a full day. The girls were exhausted when we made it home, and so was I. But I am glad we went, and that for once I was able to give my girls a fun snow day.
Snow days are not my best friends. It is not only because I am a working mom, but also because in my line of work it doesn't really matter if I can physically show up. Whether it is in the office or at home, I am still expected to do my job. Having a snow day means I get to stress about my kids continuously interrupting me while I am trying to work, and feeling like the worst mom ever for ignoring them - while trying to get things done.
This morning I was already mentally preparing myself for a difficult day when I realized I had an opportunity in front of me. Since I was supposed to be out all day, I didn't have any meetings scheduled and nobody was counting on me for the entire day. So whether I worked or not, it was not going to make a big difference for anybody else. Of course I had a million things to do, but nobody expected that they would be done today. So I decided I would just take the day off, and would - for once - make it a fun, true snow day. I told the girls to get ready, because we were going to go skiing. At the beginning they were quick to tell me they didn't want to do anything - especially since at the time they were watching TV - but warmed up the idea and didn't complain too much.
We arrived in Perfect North - our local "skiing" destination at about noon. Lionel refuses to go there because clearly it is not even close to being comparable to Vail, but I think it is better than nothing - especially for the girls. And the goal today was to get out of the house, and do something snow related.
We went straight to eat lunch and get our rental skis. After the initial drama of putting Bella's boots on, we finally hit the slopes a bit after 1:00 pm. We did the same Green run multiple times and even moved to a blue. I knew Sofia would do really well, but Bella also kept up. I was afraid that she would just take off straight, without making any turns, but she was actually nice to me. She did speed up in couple occasions, but when she felt that she was starting to pick up too much speed she did try to stop or just fall to the ground.
We stayed out there until 6:00 pm, so we had a full day. The girls were exhausted when we made it home, and so was I. But I am glad we went, and that for once I was able to give my girls a fun snow day.
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